The Algarve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal and Europe and for good reason. The Algarve offers good weather, beautiful beaches and a rich culture and history.
There are many places of interest that tourists to this region must visit to truly appreciate the best it has to offer. Here are some of the places you should consider visiting if you are in one of Europe’s top summer vacation destinations.
Sagres Beaches
Located just a few kilometers from Cape Saint Vincent, Sagres is known for its magnificent beaches and coastline, which attract bathers and water sports enthusiasts. How many towns in the world give you a choice between four different beaches? Not many. With Praia de Mareta (the city’s main beach), Praia da Baleeira, Praia do Tonel and Praia do Martinhal to choose from, you’re guaranteed to be spoiled for choice.
Barbelote Waterfall
Monichique is a city that doesn’t appear in most travel brochures. However, this picturesque town steeped in Roman history offers more than just walking trails with a panoramic view of the Algarve. It is home to the Barbelote waterfall, which is the largest waterfall in Portugal and an impressive sight to behold. It is advisable to take a guide or a map as it is not easy to find and therefore remains relatively less publicized and explored. Plus, there’s an also less famous “ghost town” in the area to make getting lost a more interesting affair.
Pego do Inferno (Pond of Hell)
Don’t be turned off by the name. Located in Tavira, Pego do Inferno is a beautiful waterfall shaded by trees and with a pleasant pebble setting where visitors can relax, have a picnic or simply enjoy the therapeutic view of the waterfall falling into an emerald green lagoon. . There are often a few more adventurous visitors taking a dip in the lake below, but it’s a great relaxation spot for locals and tourists alike.
Beaches of Fuseta
When traveling in the Algarve, you are never far from a beach. Fuzeta has two beaches, the first a small beach located in the town. It is ideal for families as it has no waves and is quite safe. The second, often referred to as the “real” beach of Fuzeta, is the ocean side that attracts many visitors in the peak summer season. The beach stretches for miles, so there is room for you to have a bit of privacy if you prefer.
Pera – International Sand Sculpture Festival (FIESA)
Portugal hosts the largest sand sculpture festival in the world. This is an annual sand sculpture mega exhibition that takes place in Pera, Algarve. This is better experienced than described. The sculptures are not the kind you are used to. These are not sand works made with buckets and shovels by little children, but the work of very talented artists who come from all over the world to participate in this great event. The sheer size of some of them will leave you bewildered. Each year is dedicated to a different theme. It is open to the public every day from April to October and is a favorite with families.
Loulé – Carnival in Loulé
One of the most famous events in the Algarve is the Loulé Carnival, which takes place in Loulé. It takes place annually in February and lasts for 3 days. It is similar to the Brazilian carnivals in its style: a colorful event with music, dancing, partying and extravagant processions. The center of Loulé is cordoned off for this event and you have to pay to access the frenetic atmosphere on offer. In Portugal, it is customary for people to throw “water bombs”, so dress prepared in case you become a target or get hit by a stray.
Sagres Fortress and Henry the Navigator
Located southwest of Sagres, it is one of the most important places in the Algarve and Portugal. It has monuments of national importance. From the pebble circle that was discovered in 1921 and dates from the time of Henry the Navigator to the Henry the Navigator fortress that was built in the 15th century. There is also a stunning view from a beautiful lighthouse (the second most powerful lighthouse in Europe). Sagres is an area that would be of interest to visitors who like a mix of history and archeology with their relaxation by the sea.
navy beach
Portugal is famous for its beaches, so it’s only fair to end this with one. Located between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha. It is a small cove beach. Simply put, it is a place to be seen and not written about.
